The pre-op seminar at Cedars Sinai in LA says that for the rest of our lives we'll need to take medications/vitamins in liquid form or crush. Especially during the first weeks when on Clear liquids.

I take protonix, which can't be crushed and leventhroid which can. Also taking wellbutin extended release which can't be crushed. I'm making myself crazy trying to deal with this. Also metamucil capsules (I'm switching that to powder). The nurse said when I crush the thryoid meds use a littel sf jelly or my Protein drink.....but doesn't she know that that reduces the effectiveness?

I feel so silly that this is what I find hardest to deal with- I think I'm maybe using these small things to stress over to put off the realization of the bigger changes.

I'm sure many of you are taking hte same meds I'm taking and have solved these challenges. SO, I'm wide open to advice. And need to know how much is what they want to tell you vs. what do people actually do?

Many many thanks,

Gwenn

Sorry, but why on earth would you have to crush your thyroid pill? It is so darn small. Even with the MOST fill the opening of the stoma would be about the size of a dime (straw at least). Now, I know that my thyroid pills (Synthroid) will fit through a straw, I tried it. Not because of the band, but I dropped it in a can of sprite once and sucked it through a straw to get it out.

The other pills, you will probably be able to take, I know that my Sarafem will go through, it is small enough, not sure if it is similar in size to Wellbutrin. Anything else, you could ask for in liquid form if you are uncomfortable. My surgeon said if you put it next to a dime in any direction and it fits, you should be ok. So, I'm taking his word on that one.

I just had an extensive pre-op class yesterday and they said we can take meds "as normal". Unless your medication is the size of a horse-pill you should be fine.

I was told not to worry about anything the size of a pencil eraser or M&M.I take 11 in the am and 9 at night and I;ve never had a problem

I take a large Vitamin each day , no problem. I would not worry about it after the first week or two. But, yes the first week or 2 you should crush your pills. but after that no problems.

Bless you- you are angels. I know it's silly to have something that small (no pun intended) throw me, but there's so much to deal with and so much change that this crazy thing was making me nuts. I certainly can cut even my small pills into smaller ones. Thank you again. Depending on the speed in which my insurance gives the final okay, I'll be banded either in by end of February or else end of April. Thanks for making me feel welcome here.

Gwenn